How long does update iPadOS 16.3 take on an iPad 7?

The time required to perform a system software update will be impacted by many factors - including, but not limited to:

• the speed of your WiFi connection
• the speed/available bandwidth of your internet connection
• the update server loading
• available free space on the device - required to download, unpack and verify the integrity of the update
• additional time required to offload and reinstall some Apps and associated data if available free space is constrained

A major version update (e.g., updating from iPadOS 15.x to iPadOS 16.x) may require considerably more time than a point-update within a major version (e.g., updating from iPadOS 16.2 to 16.3). While perhaps unusual, an hour or more may be required.

Keep your iPad connected to its Power Adapter during the update process - as this will keep the WiFi connection alive during the process.

Be patient.

If the update doesn’t complete within several hours, only then should you consider interrupting the process. If the update process appears to have stalled, you may need to perform a forced-restart of the iPad:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
3. Press and hold the top button.
4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.